Best Travel Miles Credit Cards in Saudi Arabia

Best Travel Miles Credit Cards in Saudi Arabia

For frequent travelers in Riyadh and Jeddah, choosing the right credit card can transform your travel experience. Whether you’re flying to Europe for business, visiting family in the United States, or exploring new destinations, earning travel miles on your everyday spending is one of the smartest financial strategies available today.

The Saudi credit card market has evolved significantly, with major banks now offering competitive mile-earning programs that rival international standards. These cards allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and travel-related expenses—turning your regular purchases into free trips.

Why Miles Matter for Saudi Travelers

Saudi travelers face unique challenges: long-haul flights, expensive international airfare, and the need for premium travel experiences. A well-chosen miles credit card addresses all of these:

  • Long-haul flight rewards: Routes from Riyadh or Jeddah to London, Paris, or New York typically cost 60,000-100,000 SAR. With the right card, you can earn enough miles for a round-trip ticket within 12-18 months of regular spending.
  • Airline partnerships: Most Saudi bank cards partner with major carriers like Emirates, Etihad, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and global alliances like Star Alliance or SkyTeam, giving you flexibility in booking.
  • Family travel benefits: Many premium cards offer companion tickets or family pooling options, making it easier to travel with loved ones.

Lounge Access: A Must-Have for Long-Haul Saudi Travelers

If you’re a frequent traveler departing from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) or King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), airport lounge access is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Here’s why:

Comfort during layovers: Flights to Europe or the US often involve long layovers. Premium lounges offer comfortable seating, showers, hot meals, and quiet workspaces—essential for arriving refreshed.

Productivity: Business travelers from Riyadh and Jeddah can use lounge time to catch up on work, make calls, or prepare for meetings without the chaos of crowded terminals.

Family-friendly: Traveling with children? Lounges provide dedicated family areas, entertainment options, and healthier food choices than typical airport restaurants.

Free perks: Most lounges include complimentary WiFi, refreshments, newspapers, and sometimes even spa services—value that quickly adds up.

The best miles credit cards in Saudi Arabia include complimentary lounge access at hundreds of airports worldwide through networks like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or airline-specific lounges.

What We Evaluated

Our team analyzed credit cards from all major Saudi banks, focusing on:

  • Miles earning rate per SAR spent
  • Annual fees vs. benefits received
  • Lounge access and travel perks
  • Airline partnerships and redemption flexibility
  • Welcome bonuses and promotional offers
  • Foreign transaction fees (critical for international spending)

Whether you’re a business executive flying monthly or a family planning annual vacations, there’s a card on this list that matches your travel patterns and spending habits.

How We Evaluate Travel Miles Credit Cards

Our methodology is transparent and data-driven. We assess each card based on:

1. Miles Earning Rate

We calculate the effective return per SAR spent across different spending categories. Premium cards typically offer 2-4 miles per SAR on travel and dining, while standard cards offer 1-1.5 miles per SAR.

2. Annual Fees vs. Value

We compare the annual fee against the monetary value of benefits (lounge passes, insurance, bonus miles) to determine if the card justifies its cost.

3. Redemption Flexibility

The best programs allow you to transfer miles to multiple airline partners, book award flights with minimal blackout dates, and redeem for upgrades or hotel stays.

4. Travel Benefits

  • Complimentary airport lounge access (domestic and international)
  • Travel insurance (trip cancellation, baggage loss, medical emergencies)
  • Concierge services
  • Priority boarding and check-in

5. Foreign Transaction Fees

Since Saudi travelers spend significantly abroad, we prioritize cards with zero foreign transaction fees.

6. Customer Support

24/7 support in Arabic and English is essential for resolving issues while traveling.

Our Recommendations Are Independent: We are not paid by banks to feature their cards. Our rankings are based purely on objective analysis and real-world value for Saudi travelers.

Last updated: February 2026